Staff Laser Research Scientist

About KLA

KLA stands as a global frontrunner in diversified electronics serving the semiconductor manufacturing landscape. Our technologies play an essential role in creating nearly every electronic device worldwide, from laptops and smartphones to VR gadgets and smart cars. We are innovators in systems and solutions used for producing wafers, reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards, and flat panel displays. We invest heavily—15% of our sales—into research and development, fueling breakthroughs that underpin tomorrow's technologies. Our multidisciplinary teams of physicists, engineers, and data scientists collaborate with top technology providers to accelerate future device advancements. Life at KLA is dynamic, challenging, and filled with opportunity.

Division Overview

The Chief Technology Officer's office is pivotal in pioneering forward-looking technologies, partnering with product divisions and marketing to develop innovations such as light sources, lasers, and sensors. Our involvement spans from early-stage research to maturing technologies that transition to product engineering for market implementation. We contribute technical insights to KLA's strategic planning, program evaluations, and product lifecycle processes, leveraging company-wide expertise and cross-functional perspectives.

Role Responsibilities

• Apply expertise in solid-state laser design and non-linear optics to modularize laser concepts demonstrated on experimental optical tables, enhancing optical performance and laser stability through feature implementation and controls.
• Conduct comprehensive performance characterizations and reliability assessments of critical laser components including crystals such as CLBO, BBO, PPSLT, and coated optics. Collaborate closely with strategic suppliers to ensure products meet stringent performance criteria.
• Align laser system performance with final requirements, identify principal technical risks, and develop practical risk mitigation strategies.
• Distribute appropriate error budgets across vital opto-mechanical subassemblies based on laser specifications. Perform detailed simulations, modeling, and analyses to assess laser stability and reliability within designed tolerances, experimentally verifying key parameter impacts on the system.
• Engage with design engineers during laser prototype development phases, contributing to opto-mechanical module specification setting and design review processes.
• Foster strong collaboration with the CTO team located in Milpitas by sharing insights and knowledge from experimental feasibility studies, supporting laser system design and optimization efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience in designing or managing complex Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) lasers and optical systems.
• Proven track record in utilization and characterization of harmonic generation crystals.
• Exceptional hands-on experimental skills complemented by strong problem-solving abilities and proficiency in data analysis.
• Prior knowledge of photo-contamination control best practices is highly advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a proven capacity to work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Doctoral degree in Physics or Optics with a minimum of five years’ research experience.

Additional Information

KLA provides a comprehensive and family-friendly total rewards package, tailored to promote an inclusive workplace and meet diverse employee needs. As an equal opportunity employer, KLA prioritizes safety and ethics—cautioning applicants against fraudulent recruitment schemes and ensuring transparent hiring processes. We conduct multiple interviews either onsite or via video conferencing with hiring managers. Candidates are advised to verify legitimacy of communications through official channels, preserving privacy and confidentiality throughout.